Thursday 19th February 2026
6pm – 8pm
Opencast Software, Newcastle
Book your tickets on eventbrite
About the talk
In a world of constant notifications and competing priorities, attention has become one of our most limited resources. This talk explores why simplicity is one of the most powerful tools in design. Rather than being about minimalism or removing features, simplicity is about clarity, focus, and intentional decision-making. We’ll examine how cognitive load, user behaviour, and business pressures contribute to noisy experiences, and how designers and product teams can cut through that noise.
Bio about AliaI’m a creative designer, dedicated to translating complex business problems into simple, human-centred solutions. Currently responsible for leading the ongoing design of Open, a flagship e-procurement product built to automate public procurement processes across regional and national local authorities and 20,000+supplier organisations. I’m an advocate for user-centred design, leveraging strategic storytelling to bridge the gap between business goals and meaningful user experiences
